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Indian settlers established the first foundation for Theravada Buddhism in 100 AD. Theravada Buddhism is the main religion in Laos. Theravada means " Doctrine of the Elders."
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The Naga is a mythical water serpent that resembles a cobra. It is symbolizes destruction and renewal. In Laos it is better known as Nak.
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Fa Ngum conquers Louangphrabang and established Lane Xang which became the new kingdom. Wat Aham is a temple in Louangphrabang.
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Golden Age for Lane Xang- King Souligna Vongsa reestablished kingdom as an independent state. This is after King Setthathirat died leaving Burma to invade and occupy Lane Xang in 1571. The Golden Age lasted from 1637 to 1694.
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France Colonized Laos. Frances early interest in Laos was to find a river passage to Southern China. So when the French found the Mekong the tried to open up a trade route but couldn't when they found the Khone Falls unpassable.
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Laos gains independence from France from 1949 to 1950. In 1949 a Franco- Laotian convention was held in July to sign the constitution, which granted limited self- government within the French Union. All the important power still remained in French control.
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Pathet Lao establishes the People's Democratc Repulic (LPDR) as a Communist state. Kaysone Phomvihan was appointed President. Pathet Lao means Lao Country. In 1975 Pathet Lao forces joined together and used their power throughout the country. The Vientiane government fell in May 1975 and the Pathet Lao leaders formed a new government known as Lao People's Democratic Republic.
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The Khmer came into power and established Angkor as their capital. It was not until the arrival of Fa Ngum and the founding of Lane Xang that Buddhism took root as a system of belief in Laos. This is because the Khmer follow Theravada Buddhism and Fa Ngum grew up in exile in Angkor, Cambodia.
